Heater Repair: Top 12 Heating System Problems and Fixing Guide
A great gas heater troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with info before you call hvac repair a furnace company. Understanding is defense versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most house owners can easily contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and just needs to be turned on, though the furnace might have a short delay prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and must be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is especially real on newer heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else solves the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so examine the gas dick near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and must be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be addressed
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in fixing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electricity, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heating system quickly turns off, there are a few common issues that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes finest diagnosed by a furnace specialist. This video offers extensive protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is frequently the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works on high capability all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that should be changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is probably a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally brought on by:.
- A very unclean filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a task for a professional furnace specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some homeowners select the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are normally poor. Inexpensive services 24 hour furnace repair calgary are either just starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to give inexpensive pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair at a fair rate is to get estimates from numerous of the top furnace repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a skilled heater repair contractor with affordable rates.